How Much Does a DWI or Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Texas?
Straight answer: at our firm, a first DWI is a $5,000 flat fee — including the ALR license hearing and the trial fee — with interest-free 10-month financing available. Most firms won’t publish their fees. We publish every one of them, because you deserve to know the full cost of your defense before you ever pick up the phone.
Last updated: July 3, 2026 · Fees reviewed by Stephen T Bowling, Founder
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DWI defense fees
| Charge | Flat fee | 10-month financing |
|---|---|---|
| First DWI | $5,000 | $500 / month |
| Second DWI | $7,000 | $700 / month |
| Felony DWI | $10,000 | $1,000 / month |
| DWI with child passenger (state jail felony) | $10,000 | $1,000 / month |
| DWI ALR hearing | Included | Included |
| Trial fee | Included | Included |
Enhanced charges scale proportionally. The ALR hearing and trial fee are never billed separately — see why they’re included.
License & record-clearing fees
| Charge | Flat fee | 10-month financing |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Driver’s License (ODL) | $2,000 | $200 / month |
| Expunction | $2,000 | $200 / month |
| Order of Nondisclosure (record sealing) | $2,000 | $200 / month |
Criminal Defense fees
| Charge | Flat fee | 10-month financing |
|---|---|---|
| First-offense drug possession (POM / Class B–A) | $5,000 | $500 / month |
| Assault – family violence | $5,000 | $500 / month |
| Evading arrest | $5,000 | $500 / month |
| Criminal mischief | $5,000 | $500 / month |
| Unlawful carrying of a weapon (UCW) | $5,000 | $500 / month |
| Warrant lift | $5,000 | $500 / month |
| Theft (misdemeanor) | $5,000 | Payment in advance only |
| DUI under 21 | $5,000 | $500 / month |
| Minor in Possession (MIP) | $2,500 | $250 / month |
| Public intoxication | $2,500 | $250 / month |
| Probation violation | $2,500 | $250 / month |
| Motion to revoke | $5,000 | $500 / month |
Jail release (Travis County only)
| Charge | Flat fee | 10-month financing |
|---|---|---|
| Jail release – most misdemeanors | $500 | — |
| Jail release – felonies | $1,500+ | — |
Jail release service is available in Travis County only. Learn more about the Austin jail release process.
Facing more than one charge?
One arrest often produces multiple charges — a DWI with a possession count, or an assault with an evading charge. We discount combined representation when we handle multiple charges from the same case. Ask at your free consultation.
How our financing works
We offer 10 monthly payments with the first payment due at hiring. Listed fees are for payment in full or auto-payment financing; the client is responsible for keeping the credit card on file updated. Your exact flat fee is confirmed at your free consultation. Financing applies to every matter listed above except misdemeanor theft, which requires payment in advance.
Why we publish our fees
Calling five law firms to hear five versions of “it depends” helps no one. Our fees are flat: you know the number before you hire us, the number doesn’t change mid-case, and going to trial never costs extra. If your case has unusual complexity, we tell you at the consultation — before you pay anything.
Common questions
How much does a DWI lawyer cost in Texas?
At Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys, a first DWI is a $5,000 flat fee, a second DWI is $7,000, and a felony DWI is $10,000 — with the ALR license hearing and trial fee included at no extra charge. Interest-free 10-month financing is available. Prices are subject to change at any time; the fee quoted in your signed representation agreement is the fee that controls.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Every case except misdemeanor theft qualifies for 10 monthly payments with the first payment due at hiring. Listed fees are for payment in full or auto-payment financing.
Is the ALR hearing included in the DWI fee?
Yes. The Administrative License Revocation hearing is included in every DWI representation. It must be requested within 15 days of arrest to protect your driver’s license.
Is the trial fee extra?
No. Unlike many firms, the trial fee is included. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, and you will never receive a mid-case invoice to take your own case before a jury.
Do you discount multiple charges?
Yes. When one arrest produces multiple charges, we discount combined representation. Ask during your free consultation.
Prices are subject to change at any time; the fee quoted in your signed representation agreement is the fee that controls.
